Koro trek
OVERVIEW
Koro comes from Lahauli word which means circumambulation of the holy mountain. The enlightened Buddhist masters of Lahaul Valley meditated in caves surrounding the Drilbu Mountain and walked across the Rangcha Gali Pass to perform the kora of the holy Drilbu Ri Mountain. These masters carried the light of Buddhism from the heart of Shakyamuni Buddha to the remote land of Tibet. Entire Lahaul Valley pulsates with the energy of these masters even till date. The Drilbu Ri Mountain, Mrikula Mandir, and Triloknath Mandir are Lahaul’s three primary sites of sacredness. Buddhists across the world describe these three historical sites as follows:
Drilbu Ri – the Mountain of Spontaneous Union, the abode of Shiva – Shakti,
Mrikula, the great underground site of the underground Dakinis,
Trilokinath – Phakpa, the unequalled abode of Compassion.
The revered Guru Ghantapa (Drilbupa) meditated here in Sila caves some 1200 years ago and that’s where the mountain gets its name from. It is believed that Drilbu Ri is the palace of Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightened body and Guru Ghantapa meditated for years just by looking at the holy mountain. The mountain is also associated with Chakrasamwara which represents the great male-female union akin to the Hindu concept of Shiva-Shakti union. Drilbu Ri mountain range has twin peaks visible from Tandi that look like a heavenly couple guarding the waters of Chandra and Bhaga. The 14th Dalai Lama performed the koro of Drilbu Mountain in the 1970s. In 2007 and 2009 the Chief of the Drukpa Sect performed his ritual koro along with several hundred disciples.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Trek through highland Alpine meadows above 3200m
Visit 800 years old Kardang Gompa and Guru Ghandal Monastery, the oldest in Lahaul.
Breath-taking scenic views of Pir Panjal Himalayas & peaks of Shikar Beh & Ghepan.
Spectacular views of Tandi, Gondhla fort, Yangla and Chandra River
Himalayan flora and fauna.
COST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
ARRIVAL AT SHOOLING BASE CAMP
Arrival at the base camp at Shooling. Relax, unwind, and have lunch after which we take you for a short hike to acclimatize for the trek. Dinner is followed by star gazing under the sky if the weather permits. Later we gather around the campfire for the next day’s debrief. Overnight at camp.
DRIVE TO KARDANG
After an early breakfast, we drive towards Kardang which is 32 km from the camp. Kardang Gompa is located 6 km uphill from Keylong across the Bhaga River. The Gompa stands at an altitude of 3400 mt and gives you a head start for the arduous journey ahead. We set up camp at Kardang and go for an acclimatization hike to Kardang Monastery and the villages of Lapchang and probably till Piukar. Overnight stay at Kardang.
TREK KARDANG GOMPA – RANGCHA GALI – KORO TOP – KHANGSAR
Today’s hike from Barbog to Rangcha Gali at Koro top will be a steep 8 km and the descent near Khangsar will be an easy 5 km. As we start our trek from Kardang Gompa and gain height, the entire landscape undergoes a mysterious makeover. The mountain tops shine bright while the rest of the rock mass is still wrapped in fog. Golden rays of sunshine on two of the oldest seats of Buddhism in Lahaul; Shashur & Tayul Gompa. As we inch closer to the top of the pass the hike gets steep. The mere sight of the cairns atop the pass is enough to energize you for the final push. Rangcha Gali Pass is a wide open field at the height of 4410m and offers mesmerising views of the peaks of Shikar Beh and CB ranges. Ghepan Goh – The King Mountain of Lahaul, rises from the south while the Drilbu Ri peak watches you from the north. Surrounded by these colossal towers of white and brown, the Rangcha Gali pass offers a unique spectacle. On reaching Khangsar, we drive down to our base camp at Shooling.
DRIVE BACK TO MANALI
After an early morning breakfast, we pack our bags and depart for Manali for our journey back home with wonderful memories made with Adventureism.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT SHOOLING BASE CAMP
Arrival at the base camp at Shooling. Relax, unwind, and have lunch after which we take you for a short hike to acclimatize for the trek. Dinner is followed by star gazing under the sky if the weather permits. Later we gather around the campfire for the next day’s debrief. Overnight at camp.
DAY 02: DRIVE TO KARDANG
After an early breakfast, we drive towards Kardang which is 32 km from the camp. Kardang Gompa is located 6 km uphill from Keylong across the Bhaga River. The Gompa stands at an altitude of 3400 mt and gives you a head start for the arduous journey ahead. We set up camp at Kardang and go for an acclimatization hike to Kardang Monastery and the villages of Lapchang and probably till Piukar. Overnight stay at Kardang.
DAY 03: TREK KARDANG GOMPA – RANGCHA GALI – KORO TOP – KHANGSAR
Today’s hike from Barbog to Rangcha Gali at Koro top will be a steep 8 km and the descent near Khangsar will be an easy 5 km. As we start our trek from Kardang Gompa and gain height, the entire landscape undergoes a mysterious makeover. The mountain tops shine bright while the rest of the rock mass is still wrapped in fog. Golden rays of sunshine on two of the oldest seats of Buddhism in Lahaul; Shashur & Tayul Gompa. As we inch closer to the top of the pass the hike gets steep. The mere sight of the cairns atop the pass is enough to energize you for the final push. Rangcha Gali Pass is a wide open field at the height of 4410m and offers mesmerising views of the peaks of Shikar Beh and CB ranges. Ghepan Goh – The King Mountain of Lahaul, rises from the south while the Drilbu Ri peak watches you from the north. Surrounded by these colossal towers of white and brown, the Rangcha Gali pass offers a unique spectacle. On reaching Khangsar, we drive down to our base camp at Shooling.
DAY 04: DRIVE BACK TO MANALI
After an early morning breakfast, we pack our bags and depart for Manali for our journey back home with wonderful memories made with Adventureism.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in camps and tents on a sharing basis.
- All meals are as per the itinerary.
- Qualified instructors and facilitators during the programme.
- Wilderness First Responder trained and certified guides from NOLS-USA to handle any medical emergencies.
- Transfers to and from Manali.
EXCLUSIONS
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, and flight/train cancellations.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation expenses.
- Any expense of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
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